RESIDENTS of Durban South were left to fend for themselves as they sought alternative ways to get to work and school today (September 4), following several taxi associations across Durban, including the Auswent Taxi Association, grounding their fleets until tomorrow.

An urgent meeting was convened by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba and key stakeholders in the taxi industry.

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Emergency meeting:

Xaba held a meeting with Mathula Mkhize from the eThekwini Metro Taxi Council, City Manager Musa Mbhele, senior officials from the KZN Department of Transport and councillors representing Clermont and KwaDabeka. The strike was done in solidarity of strike action in Clermont and KwaDabeka, in protest against the impounding of 25 taxis by Durban Metro Police.

The municipality said in a statement that the parties agreed to speed up application for permits, negotiate the lawful release of impounded taxis and convene an urgent Indaba between the taxi operators and e-hailing operators.

The Municipality and Department of Transport also proposed the following interventions:

•⁠ ⁠Strengthened law enforcement across all transport service providers
•⁠ ⁠Police to apply precautionary discretion in enforcement
•⁠ ⁠Full enforcement measures to apply to seven-seater vehicles operating outside legal parameters

“We remain steadfast in our support for the taxi industry and are committed to implementing the resolutions of this meeting, which I will also convey to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy,” said Xaba.

He added that he and KZN Transport MEC Siboniso Duma have appealed to the taxi leadership to suspend the ongoing strike and resume operations in Clermont and KwaDabeka.

The Auswent Taxi Association confirmed that they are taking part in the shutdown. Anwar Khan, chairperson of the association, apologised to the public for the inconvenience and emphasised that it was not an easy choice.

“At this stage, we are hoping that the leadership and powers that be speedily resolve the issues relating to the strike,” said Khan.

Community impact:

André de Bruin, a concerned resident, said the taxi strike has impacted the community greatly, especially the schoolchildren.

“The taxi strike has impacted the schools especially. High schools are busy with trial examinations, now the strike puts a hold on the exam which puts the learner in a more emotional state. Primary schools are busy with projects and assessments which puts the teachers under pressure as they have deadlines and have other parts of the syllabus to cover,” said De Bruin.

For most residents in Durban South, taxis are their only mode of transport for daily commutes and many were left stranded this morning.

“I think transport for our schoolchildren was a major concern for parents but for us community members whose only mode of transport is taxis, it really set panic in motion,” said De Bruin.

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